Georgia Democrats sweep statewide races as Keisha Lance Bottoms makes history
Former Atlanta mayor becomes the first Black woman elected governor in U.S. history as eight Black women win statewide offices.
ATLANTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –
Georgia voters have ushered in a new chapter of political leadership following Tuesday’s general election, with Democrats winning every statewide race and several candidates making history.
The biggest headline came in the governor’s race, where Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Republican Rick Jackson with 54.3% of the vote to Jackson’s 45.7%.
Bottoms will become Georgia’s 84th governor and the first Black woman elected governor in United States history.
During her victory speech, Bottoms thanked voters across the state and said her campaign represented communities throughout Georgia.
“This campaign was about every community in every corner of Georgia. Georgia, this win is for all of us. Thank you Georgia, I am honored to be your 84th governor,” Bottoms said.
Jackson later called Bottoms to concede the race, acknowledging the voters’ decision.
“A few moments ago, I called Keisha Lance Bottoms to congratulate her on winning and becoming the governor-elect of Georgia,” Jackson said. “Tonight, the voters spoke and I respect their decision. This was a hard-fought election.”
The Democratic victories extended beyond the governor’s mansion.
Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff defeated Republican challenger Mike Collins, receiving 59% of the vote compared to Collins’ 41%.
Democrat Josh McLaurin also won the lieutenant governor’s race, defeating Republican Greg Dolezal with 56% of the vote.
In the secretary of state’s race, Democrat Penny Brown Reynolds defeated Republican Tim Fleming with 55.7% of the vote. Reynolds will become the first Black woman to serve as Georgia’s secretary of state.
Democrat Tanya Miller also made history in the attorney general’s race. Miller defeated Republican Brian Strickland with 55.5% of the vote, becoming Georgia’s first Black female attorney general.
Democrats also won several other key constitutional and statewide offices.
In the agriculture commissioner’s race, Democrat Katherine Juhan-Arnold defeated Republican incumbent Tyler Harper with 53.8% of the vote to Harper’s 46.2%.
Democrat Keisha Sean Waites defeated Republican John King in the insurance commissioner’s race, receiving 54.3% of the vote.
In the state school superintendent’s race, Democrat Lydia Powell defeated Republican incumbent Richard Woods with 54.6% of the vote.
Democrat Nikki Porcher also unseated Republican incumbent Barbara Rivera Holmes in the labor commissioner’s race, receiving 54.6% of the vote.
The Democratic sweep extended to the Public Service Commission. Incumbent Peter Hubbard defeated Republican Fitz Johnson in District 3, receiving 56.4% of the vote.
In District 5, Democrat Shelia Edwards defeated Republican Josh Tolbert with 55.3% of the vote.
The election marked a broader milestone for representation in state government, with eight Black women elected in statewide races.
Ossoff addressed supporters following his reelection victory, saying important work remains ahead.
“We must acknowledge that the underlying crisis gripping our republic remains and that therefore our most vital work lies ahead,” Ossoff said.
Collins also spoke to supporters after the results, saying he would continue serving in whatever capacity he is afforded.
“Now, you know, the results may not be what we wanted tonight. But y’all, that’s OK. I’m going to continue to serve in whatever capacity I’m afforded,” Collins said.
With Democrats sweeping the statewide contests, Georgia is preparing for a significant change in political leadership. The incoming administration will face decisions involving the state’s economy, healthcare, education and other issues affecting Georgians.
The election results are unofficial pending certification.
